Cooler Storage Racks

ABSTRACT

Storage racks for coolers. Embodiments provide storage racks for coolers each of which includes a spacer and pairs of supports, standoff portions, and arms. The standoff portions couple with the supports while the arms couple with the standoff portions and are oriented along the first direction. The spacers couple with the arms; are oriented along a direction perpendicular to the first direction; and space the arms apart by the width of the coolers (or less). Some racks are continuous, curvilinear, and are made from rods or heavy gauge wire. The spacers can define straight or additional standoff portions. Further, the arms and spacers of some racks define a plane and the supports define another plane. These planes can intersect each other although they can be parallel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional applicationof U.S. Patent Application No. 61/558,258 filed on Nov. 10, 2012, titled“ICE CHEST STORAGE RACKS” by Ursula Price the entirty of which isincorporated herein as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND

Commercial ice chests and other types of coolers allow users to storeperishables and other items which they wish to maintain at someparticular temperature (usually cooler than ambient). But, when closedfor relatively long periods of time, these coolers tend to breed mold,mildew, etc. (hereinafter “mold”) in the residual moisture left thereinfollowing their use. These organisms can even discolor the inside of thecoolers (particularly near the bottom) and often produce a noxious mustyodor. Cleaning the coolers prior to placing them in storage providesonly partial relief. Sooner or later most closed coolers will producetroublesome mold unless thoroughly cleaned, dried, and disinfected priorto being placed in storage. The slime that can form from this mold canbecome a health concern particularly if the establishment that owns theaffected cooler serves food or beverages therefrom.

Some commercially used coolers aggravate such problems due to the natureof their use. For instance, coolers used in marine settings (such as onfishing boats, bait shops, etc.) are often used to store organicmaterials. In some cases, that material might be bait, fish, etc. Theseobjects themselves (and perhaps even material carried into the coolerson these objects) can foster the growth of mold by providing moisture,nutrients, etc. for the same. Residual amounts of these materials leftbehind in the coolers during storage therefore often accelerate thegrowth of mold and might even begin to emit odors of their own as theyage, rot, etc.

Many users attempt to overcome these difficulties by propping open thelids of their coolers. But this sort of solution requires that someobject remain lodged in the cooler for perhaps extended periods of time.If, as it often happens, that object is removed then the problemsdiscussed above result anyway. When a user opens one of these closedcoolers the foul odors trapped therein escape causing discomfort tothose in proximity to the cooler. Moreover, in a commercial setting,propping open a cooler looks tacky and can discourage customers frominteracting with the establishment not to mention the loss of otherwiseuseful floor space that the stored cooler occupies.

In addition, cleaning one of these fouled coolers usually requires largeamounts of water, relatively hazardous materials (for instance, bleach),more water to rinse the cleaned cooler of the cleaning chemicals, andtime for the cooler to dry. Otherwise, the hazardous chemicals and/ormoisture on (or in) the cooler can contaminate food, beverages, and/orice placed therein as well as damaging, discoloring, or stainingfurniture, clothing, etc. which might come into contact with the cooler.

While the cooler dries, in addition, many users leave the cooler on itsside on a sidewalk, garage floor, patio, pavement, lawn, etc. where theyobstruct traffic and take up needed space. Moreover, while lying in theopen, the coolers can be caught by gusts of wind or otherwise upendedthereby exposing the lid hinges to damage from impacts and the body ofthe cooler to scuffs, scratches, dents, cracks, etc. In such cases, thedamaged parts might need to be replaced or repaired. But, in othercases, the user simply uses the damaged cooler or throws it away andpurchases another one.

Moreover, sometimes users store their coolers by placing or stackingthem against an exterior wall such as those found near where coolers areused (for instance, near a point of sale of food and beverages thatmight be sold therefrom). These stored coolers, of course, remainexposed to wind, sun, and rain. They are thus susceptable to wind damageas well as becoming brittled, faded, discolored, etc. due to the effectsof potentially strong ultraviolet light from the sun. Then, again, thewind-blown rain (and other debris such as dirt, dust, grass clippings,etc.) can infiltrate the stored coolers leading to the very problem,mold and its odor, that the user wished to avoid thereby necessitating are-cleaning before use. And, even if the stored coolers remain clean,dry, and in good condition, there presence can be or become an eye sore.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter,and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineatethe scope of such subject matter. A purpose of the summary is to presentsome concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddisclosure that is presented herein. The current disclosure providessystems, apparatus, methods, etc. for storing coolers and moreparticularly for storing coolers in an inverted, hanging position inwhich the cooler is open.

Storage racks in accordance with embodiments are available from theNomusti Company of Cameron, Tex. These storage racks allow users toclean their coolers, flip them up on to the storage racks, let thecoolers dry thereon, and then remain there in storage for extended timesif desired. Thus, these storage racks help keep coolers clean, odorfree, and ready for use. They also eliminate or reduce the tasks,challenges, and expenses associated with cleaning and storing coolersusing approaches heretofore available. Various storage racks inaccordance with embodiments work with all (or at least a large majority)of available coolers in their various sizes, makes, models, etc.Furthermore, these storage racks can be easy to install and can requireno assembly. They can also be fabricated from a single, continuous pieceof feedstock thereby facilitating their manufacture at relatively lowcost.

Some embodiments provide apparatus which include coolers and storageracks for the same. The storage racks of the current embodiment arecontinuous and curvilinear and are no larger than about 20 inches wideby about 16 inches in height by about 8 inches deep. Moreover, thesestorage racks are formed from a rod and define the following pairs ofportions: a first and a second support, a first and second standoffportion, and a first and second arm. In addition, the storage racksdefine a spacer. The first standoff portion is coupled to the firstsupport and defines a first direction. The first arm is coupled to thefirst standoff portion and is at least partially oriented along thatfirst direction. The second support, the second standoff portion, andsecond arm are coupled together in a manner similar to theircounterparts and are also symmetrical. The spacer couples with the firstand second arms and defines a second direction which is perpendicular tothe first direction. Moreover, the spacer spaces apart the first andsecond arms by no more than about the width of the cooler so that thecooler hangs from the storage-rack generally in an inverted orientation.Some storage racks of the current embodiment are no more than about 14½inches wide by about 6½ inches in height by about 8 inches deep.

Various embodiments provide storage racks for coolers each of whichdefines a depth, a height, and a first side and a second side spacedapart by a width, In the current embodiment the storage racks eachinclude a support, an standoff portion, an arm, a spacer and a secondsupport, a second standoff portion, and a second arm. The standoffportions are coupled to the supports which define a first directionwhile the arms are coupled to the standoff portions and are at leastpartially oriented along the first direction. Spacers of the currentembodiment couple to the arms; are at least partially oriented along asecond direction generally perpendicular to the first direction; andspace the arms apart by no more than about the width of the cooler.

Some embodiments provide apparatus wherein the cooler further includes alid and the lid hangs in an open position when the cooler is stored onthe storage rack. In some cases, though, the cooler includes a zipperand the zipper is open so that the cooler can be store on the storagerack. Storage racks of some embodiments are about 20 inches wide byabout 16½ inches in height by about 8 inches deep. But, storage racks ofsome embodiments are about 6½ inches wide by about 14 inches in heightby about 8 inches deep. In some embodiments, the storage-rack is acontinuous, curvilinear, and heavy gauge wire. Some storage racks,though, are formed from continuous, curvilinear rods.

In some embodiments, the supports define loops. But, the supports candefine swaged areas or loops or can be standing or hanging supports. Asto the spacers, they can define straight portions and/or additionalstandoff portions. In addition, or in the alternative, the arms andspacer of particular storage racks define a plane and the supportsdefine another plane. If desired the planes can intersect each otheralthough they can be parallel.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the annexedfigures. These aspects are indicative of various non-limiting ways inwhich the disclosed subject matter may be practiced, all of which areintended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed disclosure when considered in conjunction with the figures andare also within the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberusually corresponds to the figure in which the reference number firstappears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figuresindicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cooler storage rack.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a cooler storage rack.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of a cooler storage rack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of a cooler storage rack.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of another cooler storagerack.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the other cooler storagerack.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of the other cooler storage rack.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a soft-sided cooler on acooler storage rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document discloses systems, apparatus, methods, etc. for storingcoolers and more particularly for storing coolers in an inverted,hanging position in which the cooler is open.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cooler storage rack. More specifically, FIG. 1illustrates storage rack 100 holding cooler 102 for storage in a firstorientation (see arrow 103) in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 1 alsoillustrates another cooler 104 stored in a second orientation 105 in aconventional manner. As illustrated, the two orientations 103 and 105(and hence coolers 102 and 104) are inverted from one another andcolloquially, cooler 102 can be said to be stored upside down whereascooler 104 can be said to be stored right side up.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a user 106 is shown in relativelyclose proximity to cooler 104 and the noxious odors 108 entrapped in andperhaps emanating from cooler 104. These noxious odors 108 arise in manysituations because the cooler 104 has been stored for some period oftime in its upright orientation. As a result, its lid 112 became closedat some point either by a deliberate or an inadvertent action by theuser 106 or it might have fallen shut at some point during its storage.Moisture and/or residue, debris, and/or the like trapped in the cooler104 therefore has allowed mold to grow in cooler 104 thereby creatingthe noxious odors 108 and perhaps even staining, discoloring, or perhapseven chemically attacking the cooler 104 in certain areas.

Cooler 104 includes various sides 110 (or side panels) and the lid 112along with a bottom 113. Together, these various portions of the coolertend to form a relatively air tight enclosure within which the user 106can store various items for relatively short periods of time. Due to theairtight nature of the cooler 104 and the materials of constructionthereof, the cooler 104 often has the ability to maintain these storedobjects at temperatures that might differ greatly from the surrounding,ambient environment. In some cases, the storage enclosure might bemaintained at temperatures warmer than the surroundings. It oftenhappens, though, that the cooler 104 maintains that enclosure at atemperature less than the surroundings and is deemed a “cooler” eventhough it can perform both functions and perhaps others.

It is also noted here that while the cooler 104 is said to be airtight,that designation does not necessarily imply a hermitic device. Rather,the various portions of the cooler 104, acting in concert, at leastrestrict air movement into and out of the enclosed space which theydefine. Much the same can be said for cooler 102. As a result, when thelid 112 of the cooler 104 is in a closed position for relatively longperiods of time, the mold 114 tends to grow and create the noxious odors108. Since many users 106 find these noxious odors 108 aestheticallydis-pleasing, it might be desirable to store coolers in a manner thateliminates or, at least, diminishes these noxious odors 108. Moreover,as noted elsewhere herein, this mold can create a health issue in somecommercial settings.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, this drawing also illustrates thatcooler 102 includes a bottom 116, a front side 118, a back side 120, afirst side panel 122, a second side panel (not shown), and a lid 128.FIG. 1 further illustrates that the cooler 102 defines an opening orenclosed space 130 defined by the various sides 118, 120, 122, thebottom 116, and the lid 128 (when closed). FIG. 1 also illustrates thatstorage rack 100 includes a support 132, an arm 134, and a spacer 136extending from the arm 134 into the enclosed space 130.

Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates a number of aspects of the current embodiment.For instance, cooler 102 hangs from the storage rack 100 in its invertedorientation 103. Moreover, the lid 112, being on the (inverted)underside of the cooler 102 hangs from its hinge in an open positionallowing more or less unrestricted exchange of air between the enclosedspace 130 and the surroundings. Furthermore, the arm 134 and support 132can be shaped and diminished such that the cooler 102 makes contact with(or hangs from) one or both of the same. Moreover, the arm 134 andsupport 132 can be further shaped and diminished such that they allowsufficient clearance between the cooler (or perhaps the back panel ofthe cooler) and themselves so as to allow the user to place the cooler102 on the storage rack 100 without a great deal of attention toaligning the cooler 102 with the storage rack 100 prior to placing itthere.

Storage racks of embodiments are sized and configured in accordance withthe cooler(s) which they can store. For instance, storage racks 200 (seeFIGS. 2-4) can be used with coolers having at least one internaldimension (usually their width) greater than 20 inches. These types ofcoolers often have storage capacities of 48 quarts or more. Forinstance, certain currently available coolers 102 made by the IglooProducts Corp. of Katy, Tex. (for instance, the Yukon™ line of coolers)and the Tundra™ line of coolers available from Yeti Coolers of Austin,TX have capacities up to 120 and 420 quarts respectively. Of course,storage racks 200 of embodiments can be designed to store both largerand smaller coolers 102. For instance, storage racks of variousembodiments can be formed from ⅜ inch diameter rods and/or appropriatelysized wire to withstand the weight of the coolers 102. It is noted herethat coolers 102 of 32 quart, 48 quart, and 120 quart capacities havefound popularity in the market place and, accordingly, storage racks 200of embodiments can be sized to store such coolers 102 in commercialspaces, garages, indoors, outdoors, and other areas.

With reference now FIGS. 2-4 a cooler storage rack of embodiments isdisclosed. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation viewof the cooler storage rack; FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view ofthe cooler storage rack; and FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of thecooler storage rack. The storage rack 200 can be formed from a rod,heavy gauge wire, etc. and can be a continuous, curvilinear apparatus.Moreover, the storage rack 200 of the current embodiment includes aspacer 202 and a pair (each) of arms 204, standoff portions 208, andsupports 210. The storage rack 200 also includes a pair of bends 212 andvarious other portions 214 and 216. Moreover, FIG. 2 also illustrates ay-axis defining a first direction which might be vertical and an x-axisdefining a second direction which might be horizontal. Thus, the firstand second directions can be perpendicular to each other. In addition, az-axis (see FIG. 3) can define a third direction which is perpendicularto both of the first and second directions.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-4 it might now be helpful todisclose further aspects of the various potions of the storage rack 200.For instance, supports 210 can be configured to include a flattened orswaged portion including or defining a hole(s) through which a fastener(not shown) can be inserted. The support 210 can therefore be fastenedto a wall or other structure with the portions 216 of the supports(extending downwardly therefrom and) abutting the wall. Thus, when acooler 102 is hanging from the storage rack, the weight of the coolerwill tend to force the portions 216 of the supports 210 against the wallthereby lending stability to the overall system while spreading theresulting forces across a portion of the wall. It is noted here thatcommercially sized coolers can weigh on the order of 100-200 pounds andthat spreading the resulting forces might be desirable in somecircumstances. It has been found that 2-4 inches of contact between theload spreading portions 216 and the wall is usually sufficient to spreadthe loads.

From the portions 216, the standoff portions 208 can extend in two ormore directions. For instance, the standoff portions 208 can extendalong the third direction (defined by the z axis) away from the wall (orthe supports 210) to allow some space between a cooler being placed onthe storage rack and the wall. But, it can also extend along the seconddirection (defined by the x axis) either inwardly toward the middle ofthe storage rack 200 or outwardly therefrom (as shown in FIG. 4). Thus,the standoff portion 208 can allow for the supports 210 to be spacedapart at any convenient distance while the spacer 202 (to be discussed)can define another distance or width w1. In some cases, the supports 210can be spaced apart by about the distance w2 between studs in many walls(12 inches, 16 inches, etc.). Thus, the spacer 202 can be dimensionedindependently of the space between those studs to allow coolers ofvarious configurations to be stored on the storage rack 200. It is notedhere that some standoff portions 208 are roughly semicircular in shape.But other shapes are within the scope of the disclosure.

From the standoff portions 208, the portions 214 extend outwardly to thearms 204. The arms 204 of the current embodiment extend from there alongthe first direction and, thus, in many cases vertically. See FIG. 2.Note that the arms 204 can define the overall height h1 of the storagerack 100. That height h1 can correspond to a particular type of cooler102 if desired. Moreover, the height h1 can be significantly larger thanthe height h2 of the supports 210 (including the load spreading portion216) if desired. In other words, whereas the height h2 can allow thesupports 210 (and portions 216) to spread the load of the storage rack200 and cooler 102 against the wall, the height h1 can be such that thearms 204 (and spacer 202) fully (or partially) engage the cooler 102 inthe enclosed space 130 to keep the cooler 102 from moving appreciablywhile stored on the storage rack 200.

Meanwhile, the depth d1 (see FIG. 3) can be sufficiently large so thatthe user 106 need not exercise more than casual care in positioning thecooler 102 on the storage rack relative to the arms 204 and wall. It hasbeen found that a depth d1 of about 8 inches is sufficient for thesepurposes.

From the arms 204, bends 212 (of perhaps 90 degrees) can extend to thespacer 202. Further, the spacer 202 (and/or bends 212) can define theoverall width w1 (along the second direction) of the storage rack 200.That width w1 can correspond to the overall (internal) width of thecooler 102. Or, if desired, it can be somewhat less than that distanceto facilitate placement of the cooler on the storage rack. In eithercase, the width w1 of the storage rack 200 can be selected to provide adesired balance between allowing a user to conveniently slip the cooler102 over the storage rack 200 while limiting movement of the cooler 102while it is stored on the storage rack 200.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that the storage rack 200 can be symmetrical.More specifically, the y-axis can bifurcate the spacer 202 and the pairsof arms 204, standoff portions 208, and supports 210 (and associatedportions 214 and 216). While perhaps aesthetically pleasing, suchsymmetry is not necessary for the practice of the current embodiment.Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates other aspects of storage racks 200 of thecurrent embodiment. For instance, the supports 208 and or associatedportions 216 can define a plane 224 (viewed edge on) while the arms 204can define a second plane 226 (also viewed edge on). FIG. 3 alsoillustrates that the planes 224 and 226 can be parallel although theycould intersect at an angle if desired.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-4, one embodiment provides storageracks 200 having a width w1 of about 6½ inches, a height h1 of about 14½inches, and a depth d1 of about 8 inches. Furthermore, storage racks 200of the current embodiment can be formed from ⅜ inch diameter,cold-rolled, stainless steel (or instance T-304 or 6 GA CRS C-1008)rods. Such storage racks 200 are therefore useful for storing hard-sidedcoolers 102 having interior widths less than about 20 inches. Moreover,because of their stainless steel construction such storage racks 200 canbe used in outdoor locations where corrosion, rust, etc. might beexpected (and even those locations in which they might be exposed tosalt spray or water). If desired, further corrosion resistance can beadded to various storage racks 200 by powder coating (or otherwisetreating by painting for instance) the surfaces thereof. Note thatpowder coating also allows various colors to be applied to the storageracks 200 if desired. Moreover, storage racks 200 of the currentembodiment tend to be relatively lightweight (on the order of about 3pounds).

Table 1, lists some non-limiting information regarding various coolersavailable from the Igloo Products Corp. which can be stored on storageracks of the current embodiment.

TABLE 1 WEIGHT DIMS. CATEGORY MODEL (lbs.) L × W × H (in.) Notes BOATING& FISHING RealTree Gripper 18 can 1.124    11 × 9 × 10 Softside RealtreeHLC 24 can 2.85  19.1 × 10.77 × 11.38 Softside DUFFLE Marine Breeze 28Roller 8.67 18.375 × 13.312 × 16.2 Roller Playmate The Boss 3.7  14.5 ×10.51 × 13.61 Swinger PlaYmate Max Cold Tent 3.48  16.5 × 10.5 × 17.25Softside Top GREAT OUTDOORS Realtree 18 can Softside Realtree HLC 24 canSoftside Duffle  9 Quart Island Breeze 3.035  13.02 × 9.52 × 8.875 28Quart Island Breeze 6.753 18.253 × 12.5 × 15.385 28 Quart Island Breeze8.67 Roller GOLF & TURF 30 QT. Contour 18.415 × 13.251 × 16.811xSportsman Playmate Gripper 22 can softside Playmate Gripper 9 can 0.8   9 × 7 × 10.5 softside 6 can Legend 2.2   8.5 × 6.38 × 5.88 softsideIgloo HLC 9 can 1.15  11.14 × 8.59 × 8.66 softside HUNTING 30 Qt.Contour Sportsman SMALL GROUP Shopping Tote 30 0.8  18.5 × 3.5 × 12.8softside Cooler Tote 16 0.6  13.25 × 4.25 × 11.25 softside Realtree HLC24 can 28 Qt. Island Breeze 28 Qt. Island Breeze Roller Personal SizeMini Tote 6 0.2  5.91 × 12.05 × 8.03 Cooler Tote 16 0.6  13.25 × 4.25 ×11.25 30 qt Contour 15.415 × 13.251 × 16.811 Realtree 18 can  9 Qt.Island Breeze Tundra 35 17 14⅝ × 10½ × 11¼ Tundra 45 22 18.875 × 10⅝ ×11½ Tundra 50 25 17⅜ × 11⅛ × 13⅛

Yet another embodiment provides storage racks 200 suitable for storingcoolers 102 with internal widths greater than about 20 inches. Suchstorage racks can be used with coolers typically having capacitiesbetween 48 and 120 quarts. But even larger coolers can be accommodatedby storage racks 200 of various embodiments. These storage racks 200 canalso be formed from stainless steel rods of ⅜ inch diameter. Othermaterials and sizes, though, can be used if desired. To accommodatethese relatively large coolers 102, storage racks of the currentembodiment can have overall dimensions of about 20 inches for theirwidths w1, about 16½ inches for their heights h1, and about 8 inches fortheir depths d1. Typically, these storage racks 200 will weigh on theorder of about 3.5 pounds and will be configured to mount on 16-inchcenters although other configurations are within the scope of thecurrent disclosure.

Table 2, lists some non-limiting information regarding various coolersavailable from the Igloo Products Corp. which can be stored on storageracks of the current embodiment.

TABLE 2 CATEGORY MODEL WEIGHT (lbs.) DIMS. (in.) L × W × H BOATING &FISHING 120 Qt Polar 18.2  38.31 × 17.38 × 17.75 Glide Pro 39.671 ×18.623 × 19.742 Yukon 50 32.1 33.581 × 17.026 × 17.55 Yukon 70 36.4 24.9 × 10.9 × 14.6 Yukon 150 60.5  38.0 × 15.8 × 14.6 GREAT OUTDOORS 48 QT. Island Breeze 9.22 25.562 × 14.062 × 14.125  50 QT Max ColdRoller 16.75  27.5 × 16.75 × 19.063  60 QT Island Breeze Roller 15.162 27.5 × 16.75 × 19.063  60 QT Ice Cube Roller 13.5    20 × 18.5 × 20.69120 Quart Polar GOLF & TURF  52 Quart Sportsman 8.1  21.5 × 11.5 × 11.25100 Quart Sportsman 17.5  31.31 × 14.88 × 12.19 HUNTING  52 QuartSportsman 100 Quart Sportsman LARGE GROUP  70 Quart Legend 11.6  29.5 ×16.5 × 16.13  60 Quart Island Breeze Roller  50 Quart Island BreezeRoller  48 Quart Island Breeze Roller 120 Quart Polar

Table 3, lists some non-limiting information regarding various coolersavailable from Yeti Coolers which can be stored on storage racks of thecurrent embodiment.

TABLE 3 MODEL WEIGHT (lbs.) DIMS (in.) Tundra 65 27 24⅜ × 12 12 Tundra75 30 26⅜ × 11⅝ × 12¼ Tundra 105 33 23¾ × 13⅝ × 15 5/16 Tundra 110 3730¼ × 11¼ × 14½ Tundra 120 43 33⅝ × 13⅞ × 13⅞ Tundra 125 47 32½ × 13⅛ ×15⅛ Tundra 155 53 37½ × 13⅛ × 15⅛ Tundra 160 54 37⅜ × 12⅞ × 15¾ Tundra250 77 48¼ × 17 × 17¼ Tundra 420 110 56½ × 18¼ × 22⅞

With reference now FIGS. 5-7 another cooler storage rack of isdisclosed. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation viewof the other cooler storage rack; FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevationview of the other cooler storage rack; and FIG. 7 illustrates a top planview of the other cooler storage rack. Whereas the storage rack 200 ofFIGS. 2-4 can be sized and dimensioned for one or many types ofhard-sided coolers, the storage rack 300 of FIGS. 5-7 can be sized anddimensioned for one or many types of soft-sided coolers. Of course,either type of storage rack 200 or 300 can be used with (or sized for)coolers of various sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. (whether hard orsoft-sided) if desired.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 5-7, the storage rack 300 of thecurrent embodiment includes a spacer 302, a pair of arms 304, a pair ofstandoff portions 308, a pair of supports 310, and a pair of loadspreading portions 316. Again, although not necessary for the practiceof the current embodiment, the arms 304, standoff portions 308, supports310, and load spreading portions 316 happen to be symmetrical about they-axis. Moreover, the spacer 302 includes a series of additional arcuateportions 320 joined by various spokes 322 to form an undulating portionof the storage rack 300. When a soft-sided cooler is placed on/over thestorage rack 300 of the current embodiment, portions of the “bottom”interior of the cooler (and on opposite sides thereof) can rest on theupward pointing arcuate portions 320 of the spacer 302. If desired, thebottom of such coolers can droop or sag into the space between the twoupward pointing arcuate portions 320 above the downward pointing arcuateportion 320 of the spacer 302. Thus, such storage racks can facilitatedraining of water and other fluids from the interior of such coolers. Inthe alternative, or in addition, relatively small coolers can be storedon each of the upward pointing arcuate portions 320 thereby allowing onestorage rack 300 to store multiple coolers.

As FIG. 5 shows, the supports 310 can each include a loop that definesan aperture for a fastener to hold the storage rack 300 against a wallor other structure. From there, a portion 316 of the support 310 canextend in a generally downward direction across a height h3 to spreadthe load from the storage rack 300 against the supporting structure.Furthermore, as illustrated by FIG. 6, the load spreading portions 316can join with the standoff portions 308 which turn outward away from thesupporting structure in a direction parallel to the z-axis as seen inFIG. 7. The standoff portions 308 create a depth d3 which allows someclearance between the wall and coolers being placed on the storage rack300. The depth d3 can be about flinches in some cases. The standoffportions 308 also join with the arms 304 which join at their other endwith the upward pointing arcuate portions 320 of the spacer 302.Moreover, stand off portions 308 can extend inwardly toward the middleof the spacer 302 or they can extend outwardly by some distance. Thus,the standoff portions 308 can allow the width w3 between the supports308 to differ from the overall or maximum width w4 of the spacer 302.

Thus, the storage rack can define an overall width w3 between thesupports and a width w4 that varies with the spreading of the arms 304.These arms can slope upward at an angle a1 of about 75-80 degrees asseen in an x-y plane (FIG. 5). Again, the width w3 between the supports310 can be chosen to match the distances between studs in various walls(for instance, the width w3 can be 12 inches, 16 inches, or multiplesthereof. Moreover, the overall width w3 and height can be chosen tocorrespond to that of the interior of the largest soft-sided coolerlikely to be stored on the storage rack 300. Smaller soft-sided coolers,of course, can rest on the arms 304 of the storage rack 300 at a heightwhere their width approximately matches the variable width w4 (or on theupwardly pointing arcuate portions 320).

The various standoff portions 308 and the arcuate portions 320 can havevarious radii such as radius r1 for either or both of the upwardpointing arcuate portions 320, r2 for the downward pointing arcuateportion 320, and r3 for the standoff portions 308 between the supportportions 316 and arms 304. The radii r3 can be chosen to help spread thesoft-sided coolers likely to be stored on the storage rack 300 withoutunduly stretching the fabric thereof. The radius r2 and slopes of thearms 304 and spokes 322 can be chosen so as to produce the overall widthw3 of the storage rack 300. The radius r3 (and the angle of departure ofthe arm 304 from the standoff portion 308 as shown in FIG. 6) can bechosen so as to allow a user to slip a soft-sided cooler over thestorage rack 300 (or rather the spacer 302) without having to undulymaneuver the cooler around the various portions of the storage rack 300.Of course, the spacer 302 can define an overall height h4 via the arms304, the spokes 322, and the arcuate portions 320 (and, if desired, thestand offs 308).

Moreover, the arcuate portions 320 are unlikely to tear the fabric ofsoft-sided coolers and are unlikely to chaff the sides of hard-sidedcoolers. Note that the bends 212 (see FIG. 2) serve similar purposes. Inaddition, storage racks 300 of the current embodiment can be fabricatedby consecutively bending a continuous rod (or heavy-gauge wire) due tothere only being standoff portions, loops, and straight portions in thestorage racks 300. Embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 enjoy a similar,cost-effective fabrication method for similar reasons.

Table 3, lists some non-limiting information regarding various coolersavailable from Igloo Products Corp. which can be stored on storage racksof the current embodiment.

TABLE 4 WEIGHT CATEGORY MODEL (lbs.) DIMS. L × W × H (in.) Personal SizeMini Tote 6 0.2  5.91 × 12.05 × 8.03 Cooler Tote 16 0.6  13.25 × 4.25 ×11.25 30 qt Contour 15.415 × 13.251 × 16.811 Realtree 18 can 1.124    11× 9 × 10 9 Qt. Island 3.035  13.02 × 9.52 × 8.875 Breeze

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a soft-sided cooler on astorage rack. The cooler 400 rests on top of the storage rack 300 (seeFIGS. 4-7) with the arms 304 and spacer 302 (not shown) spacing thesides of the cooler 400 apart. Of course, as illustrated, the cooler 400is a soft-sided cooler and instead of a lid, it includes a zippercomposed of two halves 406 and 408 and a pull tab or slider 410. Whenthe zipper is open (the halves 406 and 408 are separated), the zipperand body of the cooler 400 define an enclosure or opening 412 throughwhich the arms 304 of the storage rack 300 protrude when the cooler 400is on the storage rack 300. FIG. 8 also illustrates a wall 414 (or othersupport structure) and a fastener 420 holding one of the supports 310 ofthe storage rack 300 against the wall 414. If desired, the spacer 302can angle away from the supports 310 (and wall) by an angle a2.

Thus, storage racks 300 of the current embodiment can be used withsmaller or personal-sized, hard-sided coolers or soft-sided coolers suchas totes and lunch-box sized, soft-sided coolers. More specifically,storage racks 300 can store two such coolers (one on each of the upwardpointing arcuate portions 320) particularly if the coolers have internalwidths between about 4 inches and about 20 inches. Turning these smallercoolers sideways on the storage rack can facilitate such uses. Or, ifdesired, one larger cooler (for instance a cooler having an internalwidth of about 14 inches) can be stored resting on both of the upwardpointing arcuate portions 320. Moreover, although fabricated fromstainless steel in many cases, storage racks 300 of the currentembodiment can be used in less corrosive environments such as in autility room, pantry, etc. where space might be at more of a premium.

Storage racks of various embodiments include other features such asre-inforcing bars coupled to the arms 304 and spokes 322 to provideadditional strength to the storage racks 300 (see FIGS. 5-7). In anotherembodiment, storage racks 200 (see FIGS. 2-4) could be fabricated fromtwo halves with the halves being joined together by a telescopingsection. For instance, one of the halves could include a hollow sectioninto which the other half slides so that the resulting storage rack 200has an adjustable width. In yet another embodiment, storage racks couldbe fabricated from sections of PVC pipe (or pipes of some othermaterial). A pair of these pipe sections would form the arms 204 withthe third pipe section coupled to the arms 304 via piping elbows to formthe spacer 202. Storage racks 200 (and 300) of various embodiments couldbe formed by molding, die casting, forging, etc. various materials suchas stainless steel, wrought iron, brass, thermosetting plastics, etc.For some such storage racks mounting hardware can be supplied instead offorming the mounting holes and/or hardware integrally with the rest ofthese storage racks.

Embodiments disclosed herein and their equivalents can provide a numberof advantages. For instance, one size of storage rack can accommodate alarge number of coolers of varying types. Coolers stored on such storageracks are less likely to grow mold and if they do they tend to do so ata decreased rate. Storage racks of embodiments will therefore be clean,dry, and ready for use even though they can be stored up on a walland/or out of the way. Additionally, storage racks of embodimentsdecrease the amount of labor, time, and expense associated with cleaningand drying coolers stored thereon. The curvlinear configuration of somestorage racks also facilitates low-cost fabrication of the same.

As noted elsewhere herein, storage racks of various embodiments can besized to correspond to various coolers. Table 1 lists some frequentlyused types of coolers, their approximate internal dimensions, andsuggested dimensions for storage racks for use therewith.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been disclosed in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts disclosed above.Rather, the specific features and acts described herein are disclosed asillustrative implementations of the claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a cooler which defines a depth, a height,and a first side and a second side spaced apart by a width, the coolerdefining a first upright orientation wherein the cooler to hold items tobe kept cool in the cooler; and a continuous, curvilinear storage-rackno more than approximately 20 inches wide by approximately 16 inches inheight by approximately 8 inches deep wherein the storage-rack is formedfrom a ⅜ inch diameter rod and defines: a first support; a firststandoff portion coupled to the first support along a first directionand extending from the first support along a second directionperpendicular to the first direction; a first arm coupled to the firststandoff portion and being at least partially oriented along the firstdirection; a spacer coupled to the first arm and at least partiallyoriented along a third direction generally perpendicular to the firstand second directions; and a second arm, second standoff portion, and asecond support spaced apart from the first arm, first standoff portion,and first support by about no more than the width of the cooler andbeing generally symmetrical with the first arm, first standoff portion,and first support respectively; and wherein the cooler hangs from thestorage-rack generally in a second orientation inverted from the firstorientation.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage rack is nomore than approximately 14½ inches wide by approximately 6½ inches inheight by approximately 8 inches deep.
 3. An apparatus comprising: acooler which defines a depth, a height, and a first side, a second sidespaced apart by a width, the cooler defining a first upright orientationwherein the cooler to hold items to be kept cool in the cooler; and astorage-rack defining: a first support; a first standoff portion coupledto the first support by a portion of the first standoff portion along afirst direction and extending at least partially along a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction; a first arm coupled tothe first standoff portion and being at least partially oriented alongthe first direction; a spacer coupled to the first arm and at leastpartially oriented along a third direction generally perpendicular tothe first and second directions; and a second arm, second standoffportion, and a second support spaced apart from the first arm, firststandoff portion, and first support by about no more than the width ofthe cooler and being generally symmetrical with the first arm, firststandoff portion, and first support respectively; and wherein coolerhangs from the storage-rack generally in a second orientation at leastpartially inverted from the first orientation.
 4. The apparatus of claim3 wherein the cooler further comprises a lid and wherein the lid hangsin an open position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the coolerfurther comprises a zipper and wherein the zipper is in an openposition.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the storage-rack isapproximately 20 inches wide by approximately 16 inches in height byapproximately 8 inches deep.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thestorage-rack is approximately 14½ inches wide by approximately 6½ inchesin height by approximately 8 inches deep.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3wherein the storage-rack is a continuous, curvilinear, and heavy gaugewire.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the storage-rack is acontinuous, curvilinear rod.
 10. A storage-rack for a cooler whichdefines a depth, a height, and a first side and a second side spacedapart by a width, the storage-rack comprising: a first support defininga first direction; a first standoff portion coupled to the first supportand extending from the first support along a second direction generallyperpendicular to the first direction; a first arm coupled to the firststandoff portion and being at least partially oriented along the firstdirection; a spacer coupled to the first arm and at least partiallyoriented along a third direction generally perpendicular to the firstand second directions; and a second arm, second standoff portion, and asecond support spaced apart from the first arm, first standoff portion,and first support by about no more than the width of the cooler andbeing generally symmetrical with the first arm, first standoff portion,and first support respectively.
 11. The storage-rack of claim 10 whereinthe support defines a loop adapted to receive a fastener.
 12. Thestorage-rack of claim 10 wherein the spacer defines a straight portion.13. The storage-rack of claim 10 wherein the spacer defines at least oneother standoff portion.
 14. The storage-rack of claim 10 wherein thestorage-rack is approximately 20 inches wide by approximately 16 inchesin height by approximately 8 inches deep.
 15. The storage-rack of claim10 wherein the storage-rack is approximately 14 and ½ inches wide byapproximately 6 and ½ inches in height by approximately 8 and ½ inchesdeep.
 16. The storage-rack of claim 10 wherein the storage-rack is acontinuous, curvilinear, and heavy gauge wire.
 17. The storage-rack ofclaim 10 wherein the storage-rack is a continuous, curvilinear rod. 18.The storage-rack of claim 10 wherein the arms and the spacer define afirst plane and the supports define a second plane.
 19. The storage-rackof claim 18 wherein the planes defined by the supports and by the armsand spacer intersect.
 20. The storage-rack of claim 18 wherein thestorage rack is continuous and curvilinear.